My next move

I am a senior associate with a global executive search firm looking to move into an in-house recruiting/resourcing/talent management role. I have six years’ experience in executive search and a certificate in HR. Are there skills I should highlight, or are there any other training courses I could do that would be beneficial?

The skills required for your current role are transferable as you already work in a dynamic and highly competitive environment. This will not change when you move to an in-house role.

To be successful you will need drive, ambition and self-motivation to achieve specific business objectives. Employers will expect you to bring about successful outcomes, regardless of the challenges you face.

The war for talent is a growing concern for organisations, and therefore the minimum skills companies require in-house recruiters to have would include:

Significant experience of recruiting within a professional discipline, using a number of different techniques, including headhunting and direct recruitment.

Selection skills, including interviewing. If you have experience of behavioural or competency-based interviewing, make sure you highlight this experience.

Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.

The ability to forge strong internal working relationships and the confidence to communicate with senior management.

The ability to work as part of a team.

A language is always preferable.

Your CV should reflect these skills, and you need to highlight examples of any particular challenging pieces of recruitment.

Companies also like to hire individuals who have experience of managing recruitment campaigns and are qualified assessors. One of the most sought-after assessment tools, for example, is SHL testing levels A&B. A sound knowledge of the UK and international market, together with an understanding of the relevant government legislation, is also beneficial. Keeping abreast of employment legislation is important and will involve attending up-to-date legal seminars to ensure your knowledge is current.

Other options you may wish to consider are moving into this arena via an interim opportunity, or working in recruitment as part of an on-site outsourcing company.

Gail Bell, managing director, Interim Performers

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